Saint Croix Falls Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Saint Croix Falls, located in Polk, Wisconsin, is a privately owned dam on the St.


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Summary

Croix River with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. This arch dam, completed in 1905, stands at 60 feet tall and has a hydraulic height of 64 feet. With a storage capacity of 27,500 acre-feet, it serves both hydroelectric and recreational purposes, making it a valuable resource for the surrounding area.

Despite its age, Saint Croix Falls is in fair condition with a high hazard potential. The dam has a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 87,000 cubic feet per second. It is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, ensuring proper maintenance and operation to mitigate any potential risks. The dam's risk assessment indicates a very high risk level, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and management to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

As a key component of the local water resource infrastructure, Saint Croix Falls plays a crucial role in balancing water storage and release while generating clean energy. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam stands as both a symbol of past engineering achievements and a vital contributor to the region's water resource management efforts in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

1760

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

St. Croix River

Primary Dam Type

Arch

Surface Area

413

Hydraulic Height

64

Drainage Area

6240

Nid Storage

27500

Structural Height

60

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

64
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.